CNI News

1 January , 2024

The Enaing Bridge was damaged by mines on the road between Mamtu and Lashio at around 3:00 a.m 1st January 2024.

It was damaged by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), said locals. 

The TNLA has stated that it captured the Tatmadaw camps in Namtu a few days ago and has already controlled the entire town.

After that, the TNLA and its allies would go on attacking Kyaukme and Hsibaw and were making preparations to cut out the paths going to Lashio, said military experts.

Because people cannot go to Lashio from Namtu by cars and motorcycles through that bridge, it will be difficult for locals to travel and the flow of goods will also be cut out. 

They might suffer from commodity shortages and high prices, said locals.

CNI News
30 December 2023

Myanmar embassy officials in Thailand should conduct reformations in helping Myanmar workers, Thai-based organizations helping migrant workers told CNI News.

So, committees should be formed to help and solve the affairs of Myanmar migrant workers in many parts of the Thai border area, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organizations, told CNI News.

" The Embassy needs to form a committee. That committee should contain individuals from the places where most of Myanmar migrant workers are staying. Moreover, the government needs a fund when solving the problems of the migrant workers. The embassy is taking money from the workers in many ways such as renewals. A lot of money from them is not needed but to collect 10 percent out of their money is just needed to establish a fund that can help the workers. Now there are many Myanmar workers who want to go home because they are not healthy, but they don't have enough money to return. Some governments take responsibility for that sort of thing. The Myanmar Embassy isn't interested in that sort of thing. They always say that they don't have enough staff." he said.

Myanmar Embassy in Thailand tend to carry out the cases that make a good reputation, pointed out the organizations helping migrant workers.

In comparison with other foreign migrant workers, Myanmar migrant workers suffer more human rights violations because Myanmar embassy officials are weak in helping, they said.

Currently, Myanmar embassy officials have not been able to tackle the problems of Myanmar workers across Thailand, U Moe Kyaw, joint secretary of the Yaung Gyi Oo Workers Organization, told CNI News.

" There is an embassy. there are embassy officials. But it's not enough yet. There must be mechanisms that solve problems in each region. Myanmar workers are working in Mahachiang, Phukhet and in the border area, there are Maesot and Ranong. Only If we can carry out mechanisms in these places, can we help in the affairs of the workers. Regionally occurring labor issues are not solved on the ground by the embassy officials. But they might help in the places where they can reach." said U Moe Kyaw.

However, according to the current situation, it was not easy to form committees nationally to help solve the problems of Myanmar workers across the country, said the organizations helping Myanmar migrant workers.

If the committees like that were formed regionally, Myanmar migrant workers whose rights are violated probably will decrease, which the organizations are considering.

The problems Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand are mainly facing are being underpaid, rights violations at workplaces, and being fired for no reason reportedly from the organizations.

CNI News
30 December 2023

Six month period extended by the State Administration Council will expire on 31st January 2024. After that, the SAC should form a coalition government, which EAOs have advised, Sao Khun Seng a person who is participating in the peace process, told CNI News.

The emergency period was extended for another six months at the meeting of the National Defense and Security Council that was held on 31st July 2023 under the section. 425 of the constitution.

Although the SAC could extend the emergency period for another six months in accordance with the law, some EAOs advised the SAC to form a coalition government that would contain individuals whom EAOs and political parties have nominated, Sao Khun Seng told CNI News.

" There are two types for the time being. The first one is to extend the emergency period for another six months. Secondly, when the six month period that was extented for the second times expire in February 2024, after the National Defense and Security Council meeting is held, the State power will be handed over to the acting president again. And then, the acting president will form a new government. If possible, the SAC wants to hold a general election. If they can't hold the election, they have to find a way. We can't guess which way they will find. But some EAOs have advised that when the current six month period expires, form a coalition government which will contain individuals whom political parties and EAOs recommend or nominate. And then, the government will have to lay down the federal policies to rule the country. After laying down the federal policies, the government will have to amend or abolish the constitution. And then, if there is a constitution that is agreed by everyone, a general election can be held." said Sao Khun Seng.

Although some EAOs have suggested the chairman of the SAC to form a coalition government, how he would react to the suggestion has not been known yet, said Sao Khun Seng.

Although the SAC has taken the power for almost three years after announcing the state of emergency, it is still weak in making the country stable, said a politician.

Due to the current domestic armed conflicts, the people were facing crises and it was necessary to solve the political problems by political means, U Thar Tun Hla, chairman of the Arakan National Party, told CNI News.

" The SAC has taken the power for almost three years. But the people haven't been able to live peacefully. The SAC needs to understand the sufferings of the whole country. In fact, we are experiencing political problems. So, we need to solve the problems by political means." said U Thar Tun Hla.

The Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government on 1st February 2021, saying that the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the ballot dispute that took place in the 2020 general election. And then, the Tatmadaw has taken the power after announcing the state of emergency.

And then, the SAC extended two times of six months after one year. Moreover, according to the section-425, it extended two times of six months and it will expire on 31st January 2024. It is not known yet what the SAC will do next.

CNI News

29 December 2023

Myanmar citizens who will go to Malaysia must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before getting to Malaysia starting from 1st January 2024, Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has stated. 

Malaysia probably has taken this action because of the increase in the number of foreigners including Myanmar who entered Malaysia. Moreover, it was also possible because there were fewer foreigners who left Malaysia after visiting the country, U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees, told CNI News.

" A foreigner who will go to Malaysia must fill in the MDAC. Malaysian Government has its website page where he must fill in after which he must have downloaded. And then, the government will have records relating those who will enter the country. Not only the immigration department but also the government can monitor when that person has left or hasn't left Malaysia. It is the Malaysian policy that will strictly take action against the foreigners who enter illegally or the foreigners who come in and don't leave when they must." he said.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Although all the foreigners including Myanmar who will come to Malaysia will compulsorily fill in the MDAC, those who have held diplomatic passport, special passport, permanent resident pass and long-term resident pass are exempt from filling in the country’s digital arrival card reportedly.

Those who did not fill in the MDAC - when they arrive in Malaysia, they might be asked to go home from the airport. However, after explaining very well to the officials why they did not fill in the MDAC, if they filled in at the airport, it might be convenient, said Myanmar people in Malaysia.

" I've found that the embassy has released a statement about the MDAC. When I asked those who understand it, they told me that Myanmar workers are not yet needed. We'll have to wait and see the consequence on 1st January. This country's economy has declined as well. Jobs are scarce. Myanmar citizens are finding it more difficult to stay in this country. More and more Malaysian citizens have complained regarding the increase of foreigners. We have been staying here in Malaysia for years. We have never heard that Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that. They have posted the photos of the places where Myanmar and other foreigners stay most, the shops and the celebrations. What are they? Why doesn't the immigration department arrest them? Are they allowed to stay here? Malaysian citizens have been complaining like that." said Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Hearts Philanthropic Youths Blood Donation Organization, to CNI News.

While the immigration officers are checking at a Malaysian airport

Moreover, illegal foreigners are being investigated and arrested through operations in Malaysia. Unlike the previous operations, many police vans and policemen are being used for the current operation reportedly.

When entering an area to inspect and arrest, all nearby roads are blocked after which searching and arresting are being conducted with a lot of forces. So, Myanmar citizens need to take care of themselves.

CNI News

29 December 2023

As most of the states and regions in the country are facing military crises, the economy of the country has been stagnant and its development could not be anticipated, businessmen and economic commentators told CNI News. 

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and some EAOs/PDF joint forces in northern Shan State, Rakhine, Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Kayah States, Sagaing and Tanintharyi Regions.

Due to the battles, border trades with China, Thailand, India and Bangladesh have almost suspended and the flow of goods among the states and regions has almost stopped. 

Because of the military crisis, delay in commodity shipment within the country and rising prices of commodities are arising. Moreover, the country's economy also has stopped, U Thiha Paing, founder of the Via Logistics and Supply Chain, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar exports at the port

" Because of battles, the firstly affected thing is logistics supply chain. In other words, it's the transportation sector. All the border routes are blocked kind of. It's the first incident. Secondly, goods cannot be transported within the country. Besides, goods from abroad cannot be imported as well. And then, the people suffer from high prices. Another thing is fuel. Due to high price of dollar, a lot of fuel cannot be bought as well. It's not easy to re-operate the logistics because it's related to trade and transportation. If a border gate was closed, another gate would be used. But now, all the border gates are closed kind of. So, the economic development cannot be anticipated." he said.

With the country's economic decline, the livelihood of the people is also becoming difficult. 

Because the armed organizations are collecting money along the trade route, the prices are rising more. 

Due to high prices like that, the people could not fully enjoy their hard-earned income and the public economy was also declining, U Li Paw Reh, chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News.

While the trade cars are stuck in a fight

" As soon as the State is economically in difficulty, we, the people also take no exception. We, the people, have to pay the tax the both sides. The people can't even  spend half their income because truck drivers have to pay both sides along the transportation route. In fact, these money had to be paid by the people only. The rich and truck drivers don't pay. Sellers will raise the prices any more. So, the people can't fully enjoy their income. The people are economically in a difficult situation." said U Li Paw Reh.

In addition to political instability, because the economic policies were often changed, it was difficult to make the economy stable, pointed out businessmen.

" If there is no regional stability, if the governance is politically weak, the economy will be affected. Economy and politics are related. Firstly, regional stability should be carried out. And then, I think the way the country is governed should be changed because it's going to be three years in this way. A government that can do more should be given the responsibility, I think. That's the only way the economy will be able to recover." said U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, to CNI News.

Because the Myanmar's current economic crisis arose due to military and political crises, political crisis should be solved firstly, pointed out in the report released by the World Bank.

CNI News

28 December, 2023

Commander in Chief of Defense Services and chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen discussed about ensuring Thai-Myanmar border trade routes secure and smooth on 27th December 2023. 

Moreover, they also discussed promoting cooperation between the two armed forces, making the border area stable and peaceful, ensuring rule of law, anti-narcotic drugs and eradicating online gambling and online scams.

Especially because it was investigated that online gambling and financial scams were being conducted near Myawady, a border town, they discussed about the conditions that the two countries must fight against and the situations to be cooperated by the two countries politically and in terms of security to ensure that border trade is secure and smooth ewportedly.

While seeing Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Lt-Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The battles are often breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the KNU/PDF joint forces along the Maesot-Myawady-Kawkareik Asia Road. Because the KNU/PDF joint forces have controlled the Asia Road, the border trade between the two countries has almost stopped and millions of trading money is being lost.

Because the trade routes have suspended, the prices of basic foods and consumer goods are going up. In the same way, it is difficult to send Myanmar MoU workers to Thailand.

CNI News

28 December 2023

The Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)/ the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) wants to rule Namkham Township like the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)'s Myla region, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

 However, most of the people living in Namkham Township are Shan people and  Shan People only would make a decision about it, he added.

" In fact, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) is more power. Shan people are also supporting the RCSS more. Because the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP)
and the TNLA had fought against each other, the SSPP might not accept what the TNLA recruits Shan people. The TNLA has wanted to rule Namkham Township. The TNLA has been given kind of the oppotunity to do so. But Shan people will make a decision about it." said Dr.Aung Myo.

While seeing the entrance to Namkham

Special Region (4) Myla, eastern Shan State, is being ruled by the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA). 

Special Region (4) Myla is made up of Nampang, Silu and Myla regions and in 1989, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and the NDAA agreed to ceasefire after which the NDAA has been ruling the region.

The TNLA launched an offensive to capture Namkham on 17th November 2023 and it was able to capture Namkham on 19th December 2023, it stated.

The SSPP/SSA has been active in Namkham Township and there might be some territorial disputes between the SSPP and the TNLA. However, the SSPP and the TNLA have been allies for long and there would be no problem about the TNLA's military movements, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing The TNLA  (SPM News)

" The SSPP had territorial disputes with the RCSS. The SSPP and the TNLA have been allies for long. Apart from small engagements, there are no big problems between the TNLA and the SSPP. Later, the SSPP joined the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC)." said U Than Soe Naing.

During the Operation-1027 that was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, many locals from many townships including Nakkham, Theinni and Laukkai in northern Shan State fled to safety. 

After capturing Namkham, Mang Ton and Namsang, the TNLA is trying to capture Kyaukme, Naunghkio, Mogok, Kutkai and Namtu.

CNI News

28 December  2023

The Chinese border pass red book through Muse is being issued to those on the Muse household list only and this policy should be relaxed, some social assistance associations and residents told CNI News. 

The red book (border pass) is valid for one year. 

Currently, the red books are being issued to those on the Muse household list only and others are issued the temporary border pass (TBP) and they are allowed to enter China through Nandaw, Sinbyu and Mang Wein Gates.

TBP is valid for one week only and at present, as the number of IDPs or the people who want to enter the Chinese side to make a living has increased, the policy relating to the red book should be relaxed, U Sein Hla Aung, vice chairman of the Kan Let Ku Nyi Philanthropic Association, told CNI News.

" In fact, at a time like this, the red books should be issued to a lot of people, charging a suitable fee, for example 10,000 or 30,000 kyats. Because the TBP is valis for one week, After you spend six nights in China, you have to return. There are hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. After returning to Myanmar, they have to wait in line to get the TBPs again. You have to get up at about 4:00 a.m." he said.

While seeing the temporary border pass

The red book is issued with the endorsement of the office of the Department of Immigration, Muse District, Shan State. 500 kyats is charged for a red book and it can be got within office hours reportedly.

Due to the battles breaking out near Muse at present, the number of people who enter China with TBPs reached until 7,000 from one week to 10 days.

Although the people who want to go to the Chinese side from the Myanmar side have increased, China receives only 6,000 people a day reportedly.

" As the battles are breaking around Muse, Muse residents are worried and enter China. Many Muse residents are going to the Chinese side. Many workers are returning from China each day. But those who return from China have been few a bit. Some people have to be staying there in every possible way." said a Muse resident to CNI News.

70 percent of the foodstuff that was being mainly consumed in Muse was coming from the other parts of Myanmar in the past. However, at present, some bridges on the Mandalay-Muse Road have been damaged, basic foods are being imported from China, according to Muse residents.

While seeing Myanmar citizens who will go to the Chinese side

 Although the price of Paw San Hmwe rice was about 200,000 kyats per bag only in the past, now has been over 300,000 kyats reportedly.

In the same way, the price of peanut oil is over 200,000 kyats per 10 visses (1 viss=3.6 lb). The highway bus or the car fare is about 300,000 kyats for a person if he goes to Mandalay from Muse, a Muse resident told CNI News.

" Because the battles are breaking out, foodstuffs coming from many parts of the country can't reach Muse. Muse residents have to use the foodstuffs and fuel. coming from China. The prices have gone up. Because it's difficult for philanthropic associations to help the people, everyone is in trouble. As electricity and tap water are not available now, a barrel of water is paid until 50,000 kyats instead of 10,000 kyats." he said.

Philanthropic associations helped the people by selling basic foods at lower prices starting from November after the battles started in northern Shan State. 

However, as territorial instabilities have worsened, the associations have suspended their work reportedly.

CNI News

28 December 2023

With a view to settle the crisis of needing foreign currency, the government has directed that 70 percent of export earnings gained from exporting rice, corn, various kinds of bean and pea, must be spent on importing fuel and edible oil. 

So, fuel crisis that is currently taking place could be solved, businessmen are considering.

As fuel and edible oil are important commodities for the country, the policy that allows importing fuel and edible oil by export earnings is a matter that should be carried out, U Thet Zaw, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" Important commodities are essential. In fact, rather than leaving export earnings alone, the policy of reimporting goods is not unjust because it should be done to replenish the goods needed for the country." he said.

While seeing cargo ships at Thilawa Port

In the same way, 70 percent of the export earnings gained from exporting rubber had been allowed to spend on importing fertilizer reportedly. According to the current export earning policy,  if 70 percent of the exporting earnings gained from exporting rice, bean and corn was spent on importing fuel and edible oil, of the rest 30 percent, 35 percent must be sold at 2,100 kyats per dollar and 65 percent, at the market price.

If corn exporters imported other products without fuel, 65 percent of export earnings could be used, and 35 percent must be exchanged at the rate designated by the Central Bank of Myanmar, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.

"If you sell 70 percent of the dollars gained from exporting rice or corn, you can sell it to the companies importing fuel or edible oil at the price that is agreed by both sides. You are left with 30 percent. Of 30 percent, 35 percent must be sold to the Central Bank at 2,100 kyats and the remaining 75 percent might be sold at the market price. You can import fuel and edible oil yourself as well with your export earnings." he said.

On the other hand, export earnings gained from exporting goods to the Asian countries must be added to the domestic bank accounts within one month instead of 45 days and if exporting goods to other countries, export earnings must be added to the domestic accounts within two months instead of three months.

Because of the export earning policy that has been changed, demand for foreign currency and fuel shortages can be resolved. However, it was necessary to wait and see the ability to export goods, said traders.